Sight loss charity Blind Veterans UK has announced a new service to allow them to continue to support blind veterans throughout the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak…
This National Support Service will see the charity adapt how it supports its 5,000 beneficiaries, many of which are amongst those most at risk from the virus. More than 90% of beneficiaries are over 70 years old and subsequently being advised by the Government to self-isolate. This new temporary service will help blind veterans through this upcoming period of social isolation.
Nicky Shaw, Blind Veterans UK Director of Operations, said: “Many of the blind veterans we serve are amongst those most at risk from the Coronavirus and of course they have the additional challenge of vision impairment. Having to self isolate, blind veterans need our help right now with daily tasks, such as the shopping, and constant emotional support through this difficult time.
“So we are temporarily changing our service and mobilising our staff to provide practical, essential support to help the most vulnerable. We’re working with local communities, other charities and Local Authorities in order to reach as many people as we can and provide a coordinated, efficient response.”
Due to the social distancing restrictions currently in place the National Support Service will be primarily an outreach service on the telephone as well as a practical support service to blind veterans, as Nicky Shaw explains: “One of the most important things we can do is keep in touch with all our blind veterans by phone but we will also use those calls to identify those with the greatest need.
“Our immediate concerns are to work quickly to help those who are most vulnerable – whether they need food delivered, medication from their pharmacy or a friendly voice over the phone. We are putting on hold our routine work with blind veterans until we are through this crisis so all staff can have an impact on the frontline where it is needed most.”
The National Support Service announcement follows previous decisions made by Blind Veterans UK in order to best protect the veterans they support. Two weeks ago the charity took the decision to close its two training and rehabilitation centres in Brighton and Llandudno to all except the permanent residents at the Brighton centre.
